Diffusion, adsorption, and desorption of molecular hydrogen on graphene and in graphite.

The diffusion of molecular hydrogen (H2) on a layer of graphene and in the interlayer space between the layers of graphite is studied using molecular dynamics computer simulations. The interatomic interactions were modeled by an Adaptive Intermolecular Reactive Empirical Bond Order (AIREBO) potential. Molecular statics calculations of H2 on graphene indicate binding energies ranging from 41 meV to 54 meV and migration barriers ranging from 3 meV to 12 meV. The potential energy surface of an H2 molecule on graphene, with the full relaxations of molecular hydrogen and carbon atoms is calculated. Barriers for the formation of H2 through the Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism are calculated. Molecular dynamics calculations of mean square displacements and average surface lifetimes of H2 on graphene at various temperatures indicate a diffusion barrier of 9.8 meV and a desorption barrier of 28.7 meV. Similar calculations for the diffusion of H2 in the interlayer space between the graphite sheets indicate high and low temperature regimes for the diffusion with barriers of 51.2 meV and 11.5 meV. Our results are compared with those of first principles.

Stereoselective synthesis of a potent thrombin inhibitor by a novel P2-P3 lactone ring opening.

The concise synthesis of a potent thrombin inhibitor was accomplished by a mild lactone aminolysis between an orthogonally protected bis-benzylic amine and a diastereomerically pure lactone. The lactone was synthesized by the condensation of l-proline methyl ester with an enantiomerically pure hydroxy acid, which in turn was synthesized by a highly stereoselective (>500:1 er) and productive (100,000:1, S/C) enzymatic reduction of an alpha-ketoester. In addition, a second route to the enantiomerically pure lactone was accomplished by a diastereoselective ketoamide reduction.